RS56 Olav Ringdal Jr.
A wooden rescue boat from 1952. Still at sea, now with guests on board.
31 years of rescues
RS56 was built at Kittelsen boatyard in Risør and launched in April 1952. She was designed by Richard G. Furuholmen, and hers was the last wooden hull built by Redningsselskapet. Before she entered service, she was inspected by H.M. King Haakon VII. From 1952 to 1983 she served along the whole Norwegian coast, mostly in the Barents Sea, and spent one season on loan to the Shetland Coast Guard. She carried out one of Redningsselskapet's first rescues found by radar alone, and she was the last wooden boat in active service. After her renovation in 1972 she still looks as she does today.
The royal visit
In service 1952 to 1983
Her rescue record
- 44 lives saved
- 592 vessels and crews assisted
- 80 diving missions
- 52 patient transports
Room for everyone
A wide foredeck for fishing, a heated and closed area on the aft deck, and a galley and toilet on deck level. Below deck there is a saloon and sleeping quarters for longer trips. Safety comes first, for our guests, the crew and the boat.
Olav Ringdal Jr.
The boat was donated by shipowner Olav Ringdal, who wished her to carry the name of his son. Olav Ringdal Jr. was a member of the resistance during the Second World War. He was shot in Oslo on 4 April 1945, aged 24, during the Gestapo raid known as Operation Derby.
Kjell-Morten and Kim
Kjell-Morten Ronæs is owner and captain. He holds a D5 coastal skipper certificate and an M1 chief engineer certificate, with 13 years as a seaman and more than 20 years as an offshore manager. Boatswain Kim Kloster runs the deck and makes sure every guest has a good day.
On board today
The boat in numbers
- 21.7 m long
- 6.1 m wide
- 10.5 knots top speed
- 12 guests on day trips
Come aboard
Stavanger Private Safari and Fishing
Stavanger Islands Round Trip
Escape the tourist crowds of Stavanger on this private fishing and sightseeing expedition. Aboard the historic RS56 Olav Ringdal jr, a former rescue ship with royal connections, you’ll navigate protected island waters and see incredible sites before casting a line, all guided by…